Rotary brush type apparatus for washing roofs of railway cars and other vehicles



May 5, 1953 D. HOLMES ROTARY BRUSH TYPE APPARATUS FOR WASHING ROOFS 0F RAILWAY CARS AND OTHER VEHICLES 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 2, 1949 I a "7 1 IOa EW A-Z Q9 May 5, 1953 L. 0. HOLMES ROTARY BRUSH TYPE APPARATUS FOR WASHING ROOFS OF RAILWAY CARS AND OTHER VEHICLES 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 2, 1949 jUe/Zfir Jouw ZZYo/nzas May 5, 1953 0 HOLMES 2,637,054

ROTARY BRUSH TYPE AP PARATUS FOR WASHING ROOF'S OF RAILWAY CARS AND OTHER VEHICLES Filed March 2, 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 HJ? 5/6/2257 lozzz'j 2 1170/02 65 May 5, 1953 L. D. HOLMES ROTARY BRUSH TYPE APPARATUS FOR WASHING ROOFS OF RAILWAY CARS AND OTHER VEHICLES Filed March 2, 1949 -6 Sheets-Sheet 4 May 5, 1953 L. D. HOLMES I ROTARY BRUSH TYPE APPARATUS FOR wAsHING ROOFS 0F RAILWAY CARS AND OTHER VEHICLES Filed March 2, 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 EWWN May 5, 1953 D HOLMES L. ROTARY BRUSH TYPE APPARATUS FOR WASHING ROOF-S OF RAILWAY CARS AND OTHER VEHICLES 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed March 2, 1949 m zm.

Patented May 5, 1953 UNITED S'lA'l'Ed Ph'l'hhi'l @FHCE Louis D. Holmes, Blue Island, IlL, assignor to Whiting Gorporation, Harvey, 111., a corporation of fillinois Application March 2, 1949', Serial No. 79,272

12 Qlairns. l

The present invention relates generally to apparatus for washing'the roof portions of railway cars or like vehicles. More particularly the invention relates to that type of washing apparatus which operates to effect washing of the roof portions during propulsion of the railway cars therepast at a comparatively low rate of speed and as its principal components or parts comprise a vertically elongated supporting structure at one side of the runway or track for the cars, and a frame having an elongated rotary motor driven brush thereon, pivotally mounted with respect to the supporting structure to swing into and out of an operative position wherein the rotary brush engages the roof portion of the car being washed, and provided with pneumatic means for swinging it into its operative position and counterweight means for retracting it into its inoperative position when the pneumatic means is deenergized or rendered ineffective.

One object of the invention is to provide a washing apparatus of this type which is an improvement upon, and has certain inherent advantages over, previously designed apparatus for the same purpose and of the same general character and is characterized by high efiiciency, simplicity of construction and a novel arrangement of parts.

Another object of the invention is to provide a apparatus of the type under considera- 1 which the supporting structure at one side of the runway or track for the cars to be washed comprises an elevated upstanding mast which is pivoted to rotate back and forth about a vertical axis, and a boom which is connected to the lower of, and projects laterall from, the mast, has the brush carryin frame pivotally suspended therefrom, and is adapted in response to rotation of the mast to swing bodily back and forth between a working position wherein it extends transversely of, and over, the runway and a nonworking position wherein it is disposed at one side of, and in parallel relation with, the runway, and hence frees the runway so that railway cars may be propelled unimpeded therealong.

Another object of the invention is to provide a washing apparatus of the last mentioned character in which the mast has associated therewith simple and novel power actuated mechanism for rotating it back and forth in order to swing the boom between its working and nonworking positions.

Another object of the invention is to provide a washing apparatus of the type and character under consideration in which the penumatic means for swinging the brush carrying frame into and out of its operative position is in the form of an air cylinder which is mounted on the boom, is operatively connected to the frame by way of a pair of hell crank forming arms, a link and a third arm, and has associated therewith means for limiting its stroke to the end that the arc of swing of the frame resulting from actuation' of the air cylinder is substantially constant.

A further object of the invention is to provide a washing apparatus of the last mentioned charactor in which the air cylinder constituting the pneumatic means for swinging the brush carrying frame into and out of its operative position is carried by a motor operated screw type unit which is capable of being operated so as bodily to move the air cylinder back and forth in order either to change the position of, or increase, the arc of swing of the brush carrying frame.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a washing apparatus which is generally of new and improved construction, effectively and efficiently fulfills its intended purpos and is capable of being produced and operated at a comparatively low cost.

Other objects of the invention and the various advantages and characteristics of the present apparatus for washing the roof portions of railway cars will be apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description.

The invention consists in the several novel features which are hereinafter set forth and are more particularly defined by claims at the conclusion hereof.

In the drawings which accompany and form a part of this specification or disclosure and in which like letters and numerals of reference denote corresponding parts throughout the several views:

Figure 1 is a rear elevation of a washing apparatus embodying the invention, the boom being shown in its working position wherein it extends over and transversely of the runway for the cars, the roof portions of which are to be washed;

Figure 2 is an outside side elevation of the ap paratus;

Figure 3 is a rear elevation showing the boom constituting a part of the supporting structure after swinging thereof into nonworking position but before upward swinging of th motor dri brush;

Figure 4 is a plan view of the brush carrying 1frame while the frame is in a horizontal posiion;

ure 5 is a side elevation of the frame;

Figure 6 is an inside side elevation of the power actuated mechanism for rotating the mast in order to swing the frame carrying boom back and forth between its working and nonworking positions;

Figure 7 is a rear elevation of the mechanism which is illustrated in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a front elevation of the boom illustrating in detail the construction and manner of mounting of the air cylinder and the motor operated screw type device for bodily shifting the air cylinder back and forth, certain parts being broken away and other parts being shown in section for purposes of illustration;

Figure 9 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line 99 of Figure 8 and illustrating in detail the construction and arrangement of the motor and gearing constituting the operating means for the screw type device;

Figure 10 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line l9lt of Figure 8; and

Figure 11 is a vertical transverse section taken on the line ii-H of Figure 3 and showing the cross sectional construction of the boom and the design and arrangement of the arms and link that constitute the operating connection between the air cylinder and the brush carrying frame.

The apparatus which is shown in the drawings constitutes the preferred form or embodiment of the invention. It is designed and adapted automatically to wash the roof port on of a railway car C as the latter is propelled on a runway or track (not shown) past the apparatus and as its principal parts comprise a concrete pier 2, a su porting structure [3, a frame [4 and a brush l5.

The pier i2 is located at one side of the aforementioned runway along which the car C is propelled past the washing apparatus in connection with washing of the roof thereof, and is verti cally elon ated. The lower end of the pier is suitably anchored in place and the upper end terminates at approximate y the elevation of the roof of the car C and is surmounted by a fixed horizontally extending bed plate It. The purpose of the pier I2 is to support the supporting structure l3.

The supporting structure I 3 serves as a mounting or carrying med um for the frame it and consists of a standard ll, a mast IS, a boom 18 and a brace 20. The standard H is mounted on, and forms an upper extension of. the pier i2 and is rectangular in cross section. The lower end of the standard rests directly on, and is suitably fixedly connected to, the front outer portion of the bed plate 16 on the upper end of the pier. The mast 58 extends truly vertically and is located directly rearwards of the standard 17. It is preferably in the form of a metallic tube of comparatively large diameter and wall thickness and has a fixedly mounted, downwardly extending pintle 2! at its lower end and a fixedly mounted upwardly extending pintle 22 at its upper end. The pintle 2| at the lower end of the mast is journalled in a bearing 23 on the bed plate It and the pintle 22 at the upper end of the mast is journalled in a bearing 24 which is fixedly connected to the upper end of the standard H and extends rearwards, i. e., in the direction in which the car C is propelled along the runway in connection with a roof washing operation. The two pintles 2! and 22 together with their bearings form a pivotal mount whereby the mast [8 that is directly rearwards of the standard i1 is permitted to rotate or turn back and forth about a vertical axis. The boom 59 of the supporting structure it extends laterally from the lower end of the mast and is preferably in the form of a channel beam. It consists of a web and a pair of upwardly extending side flanges, as best shown in Figures 9, l0 and 11, and has its inner end pivotally connected to the lower end of the mast by way of a pair of bearing brackets 25 and a pair of trunnions 2E. The bearing brackets are fixedly connected to, and project outwards of, the inner ends of the side flanges of the boom IS. The trunnions 2-5 are fixedly connected to, and project laterally in opposite directions from, the lower end of the mast l8 and extend through the bearing brackets 25. The bearing brackets and trunnions serve to connect the boom so that it swings laterally in response to rotation of the mast and is also capable of swinging upwards and downwards relatively to the mast. The brace 20 of the supporting structure extends between the upper end of the mast i8 and the outer end of the boom 19 and constitutes a tension type suspension member for the boom. .As shown in Figure 1, the brace 28 supports the boom so that it extends upwards an acute angle with respect to the horizontal. The upper end of the brace is provided with a clevis 2"! which surrounds the upper end of the mast l8 and is pivotally connected thereto by way of horizontal, oppositely extending trunnions The lower end of the brace 20 is pivotally connected to the outer or distal end of the boom 69 by way of a horizontal pivot pin which extends through the brace and has its ends mounted in holes in the outer ends of the side flanges of the boom [9. The clevis 27 is adjustably connected to the upper end of the brace in order that the operative length of the brace may be increased or decreased for pur poses of adjusting or varying the angular position of the boom it. When the clevis is adjusted toward the brace so as to shorten the operative length of the brace the angle of the boom with respect to the horizontal is increased. Adjustment of the clevis away from the brace increases the operative length of the brace and hence serves to decrease the angle or inclination of the boom. By adjusting the clevis either toward or away from the adjacent end of the brace the boom may be set at any desired angle. When the washing apparatus is in operation the boom It assumes a working position wherein, as shown in Figure 1, it overlies, and extends trans-- versely of, the runway along which the railway car C is propelled. When the apparatus is not in use the boom, due to its mounting, is adapted to be swung rearwards into a nonworking posi tion wherein it is disposed at one side of, and in parallel relation with, the runway, as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings.

For the purpose of swinging the boom !5 back and forth between its working and nonworking positions the washing apparatus is provided with power operated mechanism 30. The latter is illustrated in detail in Figures 6 and '7 of the drawings and comprises an air cylinder at, an inverted T-shaped lever 32, a link 33, an arm 34, and a counterweight 35. As hereinafter described more in detail the air cylinder 3|, when energized, operates to swing the boom l9 into its working position and to maintain the boom in such position, and the counterweight 35 operates, when the air cylinder is de-energized or rendered ineffective, to swing the boom into its nonworking position wherein, as previously pointed out,

it'is located at one side of, and is in arallel relation. with, the runway'for the car (1.. The air cylinder 31' extends. substantially vertically andvv is: located directly inwards of the lower end of the standard I]. It has a. vertically slidable. piston 36 therein and is. pivotally connected at its lower end to an. upstanding bracket 3?. The latter is suitably attached or connected tov the bed plate is at the upper end of the concrete pier i 2. The pivotal connection at the lower end of the air cylinder 3i permits the air cylinder to swing forwards and rearwards in connection with actuation thereof. The piston 35 is provided with an upwardly extending piston rod lit and this extends slidably through. a stufiing. box 39 on the central: portion of the upper head of the air cylinder. Air under pressure is introduced into the upper: end of the air cylinder 3! byway of a flexibleconduit Ml which includes a valve (not shown). When air under-pressure is introduced into the upper end of the air cylinder the piston is caused to slide downwards in thecylin-der and operates through the medium of the piston rod the inverted T-shaped lever 32, the link 33 and the arm 34 to swing the boom intoits working position. The lever 32- overlies the air cylinder 3i and consists of an upwardly extending piece 4! and a crosspicce 42 at the lower end of the piece tl A horizontal pivot pin 43 serves to support the lever 32 so that it is free to swing or rock rearwards or forwards in a vertical plane in parallel relation with the car runway. As best shown in Figures 6 and 7 the pivot pin 43 is connected to, and projects inwards from, the central portion of the standard I! and extends through a hole in the central portion of the crossoiece 42 of the lever 32. The upper end of the piston rod 33 is pivotally connected to the forwardly extending end of the lever crosspiece 42 by way of a clevis 44. The link 33 extends horizontally and projects in a rearward direction. The front end of such link is pivotally con.- nected to the upper end of the upwardly extending piece 4! of the inverted T-shaoed lever by a horizontal pivot pin in order that the link is free to swing vertically relatively to the lever. The arm 34 extends horizontally and is fixedly connected to, and projects radially from, the central portion of the mast H3. The rear end of the link s3 is connected to the outer or distal end of the arm d4 by a universal coupling ib. When the air cylinder 3! is energized by the introduction of air under pressure into its upper end the piston 3%, as previously pointed out, is caused to slide downwards and operates through the medium of the piston rodiid to rock'the inverted T- haped lever 32' in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 6. Such rocking on the part of the lever operates through the medium of the link 33 and the arm 34 to turn the mast is in such direction that it causes the boom Hi to swing into its working position. The counterweight 35 is suspended from the rearwardly extending end'of the crosspiece 42 of the lever 5.32 by way of a vertically extending. rod M. The lower end of the rod is suitably fixedly connected to the counterweight and the upper end of the rod is pivotally connected to the rearwardly extending end of the crosspiece 42 by way of a clevis is. When the air cylinder 31 is de-energized or rendered ineffective the counterweight 35 causes the invertedT-shaped lever 52 to swing or rock in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 6. Such rocking on the part of the lever 01 erates through the medium of the link 3'3 and the arm 3t so to turn the mast l8: as. to. cause the boom [9 to swing: laterally into its nonworking position. The air cylinder 31 is sufficiently powerful to overcome: the weight of the counterweight 35 when it is. energized or: rendered operative by the supply of air under pressure to. its

upper end. The central portionof the rod 41 extends slid-ably through a horizontal slot 49 in a laterally and inwardly extendingbracket: 50. on the standard I! of the supporting structure. Nuts ti and an overlying spiral compression spring 52 on the lower end of the rod 4! coact with the bracket 58 to limit and cushion counter clockwise rocking of the lever 32 in connection with actuationv of the air cylinder to cause. the

boomv 19 to swing into its working position; and

nuts 53 and. an underlying spiral compression spring iii coact with the bracket 56 to limit and cushion clockwise rocking movement of the lever ll as caused by the counterweight 35 when the air cylinder is de-energized. By adjusting the position of the nuts 5i and 53 the arc of swing of the boom it between its working and nonworking position may be controlled.

The frame it carries the brush l5 as hereinafter described, and is located beneath, and pivotally suspended from, the boom iii of the supporting structure is. It is substantially rectangular so far as contour or configuration is concerned and. consists of a pair of spaced apart parallel side members 55 and a pair of spaced apart parallel cross members 56. The side memhere till extend transversely of the boom l9 and have the rear ends thereof bent downwards to 0 form normally downwardly extending extensions 5?. One of the cross members 55 extends between, and is welded or otherwise fixedly secured to, the rear ends of the side members 55 and the other cross member extends between and is fixedly secured to the central portions of the side mentbers. The frame i l is of rigid or unitary construction and is pivotally suspended from the boom 19 by way of a tubular cross member 58. The latter is disposed slightly forward of, and

- in parallel relation with, the inner cross member 56 and is spaced above, and is connected to, the side members 55 by way of a pair of brackets 59. These brackets are welded or otherwise fixedly securedto, and extend upwards from, the central portions of the side members 55 of the frame it and have the upper ends thereof fixedly connected to the ends of the tubular cross member 58. Saidtubular cross. member underlies and is in parallel relation with the boom i9 and is rovided at its ends with fixed outwardly extending pintles The latter are journalled in depending brackets ti on the web of the boom 19 and permit the frame it to tilt or rocl: up and down relatively to the boom. Between and connected to the front ends of the side members 55 of the frame M is a counterweight 62. The latter isof such weight that it causes the frame to swing or tilt in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figures 2 and 5. In other words, the counterweight urges the front ends of the frame side members 535 to swing downwards and the rear ends of such members to swing upwards.

The brush is of the apparatus consists of side by side circular bristle equipped sections and these are mounted on the central portion of ashaft 53. The latter is disposed in parallelrelationwith the cross members 55 of the. frame it and has its ends journalled in depending bearings 6d on the lower ends ofthe extensions 5'! in order that the brush is supported rotatably.

Rotation of the brush is effected by a unidirectional electric motor '65 and a pulley and belt connection 65. The motor 65 is mounted on a plate 6? and is arranged so that the armature shaft thereof is in parallel relation with the brush shaft 63. The plate 6? extends between and is suitably connected to certain ends of the frame cross members The pulley and belt connection 66 consists of a pulley G8 on the outer end of the armature shaft of the electric motor 65, a pulley 69 on one end of the brush shaft and belts i6 around the two pulleys. When the apparatus is in operation the frame it is swung or tilted in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figures 2 and Sin order to cause the brush it) to engage the roof of the railway car being washed. It is contemplated that in connection with a roof washing operation the brush 55 will be continuously and constantly driven in such direction that the lower portions thereof travel in the same direction as the car being washed. Water or a washing liquid is sprayed downwards onto th b ush l y way of a spray pipe H. and is suitably connected to the rearinost cross if her of the frame In addition to the parts or elements heretofore specifically recited the washing apparatus comprises pneumatic means '52 for tilting the rear or brush carrying end of the frame M downwards into its operative position against the weight of the counterweight also a power operated screw device it.

The pneumatic means 12 is mounted for the most on the boom is and comprises an air cylinder i l and an operating connection between the air cylinder and the frame it. The air cylinder it overlies the central portion of, and is disposed in substantially parallel relation with, the boom 19 and has a piston l5 slidably mountee therein. The outer end of the air cylinder is pivotally connected to a vertically extending plate it by a pivot pin T in order that the cylinder as a whole is permit ed to swing upwards and downwards relatively to the boom iii. Air under pressure is admitted into the outer end of the air cylinder i l by way of a flexible conduit '58 which includes a valve (not shown) for air controlling purposes. When the valve is opened air under pressure flows into the outer end of the air cylinder it and causes the piston E5 to slide towards the inner end of the air cylinder. The piston i5 is provided with an inwardly extending piston rod l8 which extends through the inner end of the air cylinder. The oper ting connection between the air cylinder i l and the frame M consists of an arm 39, an arm 8 l, a link 82 and an arm $3. The arm iii? is located directly inwards of the air cylinder and extends upwards and outwards. The lower end of the arm til is keyed or otherwise fixedly connected to a horizontal rock shaft 8 which extends transversely of the boom and is journalled in upstanding bearings 85 on the web of the boom. The exposed end of the piston rod '29 is pivotally connected to the upper central portion of the arm 6&3 by a clevis 8%. The arm El extends at substantially right angles to the arm 80 and is inclined upwards and inwards. The lower end of the arm Si is keyed or otherwise fixedly secured to the rock shaft 84, as best shown in Figure The link 3?. of the operating connection between the air cylinder is and the frame Hi depends from the outer or distal end of the arm 8! and is located at one side of the inner end of the boom 59. The upper end of the link 82 is connected to the distal end of the arm Si by in: a

way of a universal coupling 87. The arm 83 is: keyed or otherwise fixedly secured to the inner-i most pintle 60 on the tubular cross member 58v and has its outer end connected to the lower end of the link 82 by a universal coupling 88. When the air cylinder "a l is energized by the supplyof air under pressure to its outer end the piston l5 slides toward the inner end of the cylinderas previously pointed out, and operates through the medium of the piston rod iii, the arms 8!} and 8|, the link 82 and the arm 83 to swing the rear end of the frame I l downwards into its operative position wherein the rotary brush it is in contact or engagement with the roof portion of the car being washed by the apparatus. When the air cylinder i4 is de-energized by stoppage of air under pressure thereto the rear end of the brush carrying frame i l is swung upwards into its inoperative position by the action of the counterweight 62. When the rear end of the frame I is in its operative position as a result of the air cylinder 14 being energized such cylinder operates yieldingly to hold the brush E5 in engagement with the roof of the car being washed. A substantially horizontal restraining rod 89 serves, in conjunction with the vertically extending plate to determine or limit the arc through which the brush carrying frame 54 swings in connection with actuation or operation of the air cylinder '53 and the counterweight 62. This rod overlies, and is disposed in substantially parallel relation with, the air cylinder i and has at its inner end a clevis cs whereby it is pivotally connected to the upper end of the arm 88 of the operating connection between the air cylinder and the frame id. The central portion of the restraining rod extends slidably through an enlarged hole in the upper end of the plate i6. Nuts ll and a spiral compression spring 92 on the outer end of the rod 89 coact with the plate 6 to limit and cushion downward swin ing of the rear end of the frame it in response to actuation of the air cylinder 74, and nuts 93 and a spiral compression spring 9 5 coast with the plate 75 to limit and cushion upward swinging of the rear end of the frame in response to action of the counterweight 82. By adjusting the nuts 92 and 93 on the restraining rod 89 the size of the arc of swing or tilt of the frame it may be controlled.

The power operated screw device 73 is mounted on the boom is outwards of the pneumatic frame swinging means i2, serves as a movable mount for the air cylinder illand the restraining rod 89 and is adapted, as hereinafter described more in detail, either to vary the position of the arc of swing of the brush carrying frame or to increase such arc. As its parts the unit 73 comprises a cylinder 95, an elongated nut 96, a screw shaft 9i, an electric motor 98 and a speed reducer :29. The cylinder Q5 is disposed above and in parallel relation with the boom l9 and is fixedly connected to the latter by a pair of upstanding brackets 88. The latter have their lower ends suitably connected to the central portion of the boom l9 and their upper ends welded or otherwise fixedly secured to the ends of the cylinder. As best shown in Figure 8 of the drawings, the cylinder 95 is located adjacent the central portion of the vertically extending plate '16 and has the end thereof that is nearer such plate open. The other or outer end of the cylinder 95 embodies a head Hit. The nut 96 is mounted to slide back and forth within the cylinder. The inner end of the nut extends through the open inner end of the cylinder and is fixedly connected to the central portion of the vertically extending plate 16 by a bolt equipped attaching plate Hi2. The outer end of the nut 96 is confined within the cylinder and has an internal screw thread NE. The screw shaft 9'5 extends through the nut and is in screw threaded relation with the internal screw thread I103. The outer end of the screw shaft projects beyond the head HM at the outer end of the cylinder and is mounted in the head so that it is capable of rotating without axial displacement. When the screw shaft 91 is rotated in one direction it serves to feed the nut towards the mast is and causes, through the medium of the vertically extending plate iii, the air cylinder i l and the restraining rod 89 to move bodily inwards, thus either changing the position of the arc of swing of the frame as defined by the air cylinder or increasing such are, provided, of course, that the air cylinder is energized at the same time that the nut is fed inthe direction of the mast by the screw shaft. Whenthe screw shaft is reversely rotated the nut so is fed in the direction of the outer end of the boom and operates, through the medium of the vertically extending plate Hi, to raise the arc of swing of the frame as defined or caused by the air cylinder and the restraining rod. The electric motor 93 and the speed reducing unit 539 serve to rotate the screw shaft til in order bodily to adjust the position of the air cylinder it and the restraining rod 89. The motor at is of the reversible type and is mounted on one end of a transversely extending bracket an on the outer end of the boom I9. It is arranged so that the armature shaft thereof extends horizontally and at right angles to the boom. The speed reducer S9 is of the worm and worm gear variety. It is mounted on the other end of the bracket PM, as shown in Figure 9, and embodies a drive shaft Hit and a driven shaft H36 at right angles to the drive shaft. The drive shaft is aligned with the armature shaft of the electric motor 98 and is connected thereto by a coupling mi. The driven shaft tilt is in coaxial relation with the screw shaft 96 and is connected to the outer end of the latter by a coupling Hi8. When the electric motor iii is driven in one direction the screw shaft 96 is driven in one direction and when the motor 98 is driven in the opposite direction the screw shaft is reversely driven.

When it is desired to use the apparatus to wash the roof of the railway car C the boom, prior to propulsion of the car past the apparatus, is swung into its working position wherein it overlies and extends transversely of the runway for the car. This is accomplished by energizing the air cylinder 3! by introducing air under pressure into its upper end. As heretofore pointed out, introduction of air under pressure into the upper end of the cylinder causes downward sliding movement of the piston 38 and this, in turn, effects, through the medium of the piston rod 38, the inverted T-shaped lever 32, the link 33 and the arm 3t, turning of the mast it in such direction as to cause the boom to swing into its operative position. As soon as the front end of the car 0, in connection with propulsion of the latter, approaches the apparatus the operator starts the electric motor 85 for driving the brush l5 and also energizes th air cylinder it so that the latter, as hereinbefore pointed out, swings the rear end of the frame downwards into its operative position wherein the brush contacts the roof of the car. As the car is propelled slowly under the frame the brush, in connection with drive or rotation thereof, effects the desired washing of the roof of the car. In the event that the roof of the car to be washed is so low that the brush does not contact it when the frame is swung downwards into its operative position by actuation of the air cylinder hi, the screw type device '53 is operated so as to shift bodily the air cyiinder M and the restraining rod 89 a sufficient distance towards the mast id to lower to the desired eX tent the down position of the brush. As soon as the unit 'if-i causes the brush to engage the roof of the car with the desired downward pressure it is stopped. In the event that the roof of the car to be washe high the unit i3 is reversely operated so as be to shift towards the outer end of the boom the air cylinder M and the restraining rod 8t. If in connection with washing of the roof of a car a protuberance, such as a hatch or ventiiator, is about to be contacted by the brush the operator of the apparatus de-energizes the air cylinder '54. to the end that the counterweight swings the rear end of the frame upwards into its inoperative position so that the brush will clear the protuberance. After the protuberance passes the brush the brush is lowered by again energizing the air cylinder. At the conclusion of a car washing operation the boom is swung into its nonworking position by deenergizing the air cylinder '35. As soon as such cylinder is deenergized the counterweight 3'5 operates to turn the mast it so as to swing the boom into its nonworking position. It is contemplated that before the air cylinder if is de-energized for purposes of causing the boom to swing into its nonworking the operator of the apparatus will actuthe screw type unit it so as to shift the air it and the restraining rodw to its fullest extent toward the mast l8. This causes the brush carrying frame it to assume a substantially vertical position and hence when the boom is in its nonworkmg position wherein it is located at one side of, and in "parallel relation with, the runway, the frame assumes the position shown in Figure .3 and neither .it nor the boom offers any obstruction to the passage of cars along the runwayadiaoent which the apparatus is located.

The herein described washing apparatus effectively and. efiicientiy fulfills its intended purpose and, due to its design and construction, may be manufactured and operated economically. It involves a fundamentally new arrangement of parts so far as previously designed car Washing apparatuses are concerned and is characterized by the fact that the screw type unit 713 makes it possible readily tovary the position of the are through which the brush carryingframe swings back and forth between its operative and inoperative positions.

The washing apparatus ,isfurther characterized by the fact that the boom is so mounted that when it is in its nonworkin position at one side of the runway it extends in the direction of propulsion of the car past the apparatus. Because of thisand the fact that the air cylinder 3| serves when energized yieldingly to hold the boom in its workin position the boom. if it, the brush or the frame is struck by a protuberance on the car hemg washed,-wi11 swingin the direction of its nonworking position out of engagement with the protuberance. It is contemplated, however, that normally if any small sized protuberance is encountered by the brush the brush and its frame will swing upwards due to the yielding action of the air cylinder '14.

Whereas the apparatus has been specifically described in connection with the washing of the roof portion of a railway car it is understood that it may be used to wash the roofs of other vehicles. It is also to be understood that the invention is not to be restricted to the details set forth since these may be modified within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having thus described the invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. An apparatus adapted for use in connection with washing of a portion of the roof of a vehicle as the latter is propelled on a runway past it and comprising an upstanding supporting structure located at one side of the runway and embodying a substantially horizontal boom type element disposed at a higher elevation than the roof of the vehicle when the latter is on the runway and adjacent the supporting structure and mounted to swing about a vertical axis back and forth between a working position wherein it overlies, and extends transversely of, the runway and a nonworking position wherein it is disposed at said one side of, and is in substantially parallel relation with, said runway, mechanism for swinging the element back and forth betwee' said positions, a frame carried by the element so that said frame is capable of swinging upwards and downwards about an axis in substantially parallel relation with said element, and an elongated rotary power driven brush mounted on the frame so that it is disposed in substantially parallel relation with the element and adapted when the element is in its working position and the frame is swung downwards and during propulsion of the vehicle past said supporting structure to engage the roof portion of the vehicle.

2. An apparatus adapted for use in connection with washing of a portion of the roof of a vehicle as the latter is propelled in one direction on a runway past it and comprising an upstanding supporting structure located at one side of the runway and embodying a substantially horizontal boom type element disposed at a higher elevation than the roof of the vehicle when the latter is on the runway and adjacent the supporting structure and mounted to swing about a vertical axis back and forth between a working position wherein it overlies, and extends transversely of, the runway and a nonworking position wherein it is disposed at said one side of the runway and extends in the direction of travel of the vehicle, controllable pneumatic means for swinging the element into its working position and yieldingly holding said element in said position, a frame carried by the element so that said frame is capable of swinging upwards and downwards relatively thereto, and an elongated rotary power driven brush mounted on the frame and adapted when the element is in its working position and the frame is swung downwards and during propulsion of the vehicle past said supporting structure to engage the roof portion of the vehicle.

3. An apparatus adapted for use in connection with washing of a portion of the roof of a vehicle as the latter is propelled in one direction on a runway past it and comprising an upstanding supporting structure located at one side of the runway and embodying a substantially horizontal boom type element disposed at a higher elevation than the roof of the vehicle when the latter is on the runway and adjacent the supporting structure and mounted to swing about a vertical axis back and forth between a working position wherein it overlies, and extends transversely of, the runway and a nonworking position wherein it is disposed at said one side of the runway and extends in the direction of travel of the vehicle, controllable pneumatic means for swinging the element into its working position and yieldingly holding said element in such position, means independent of, and of less force than, the pneumatic means for constantly urging the element into it nonworking position with sufficient force to cause the element automatically to swing into such position when said pneumatic means is ineffective, a frame carried by the element so that said frame is capable of swinging upwards and downwards relatively thereto, and an elongated rotary power driven brush mounted on the frame and adapted when the element is in its working position and the frame is swung downwards and during propulsion of the vehicle past said supporting structure to engage the roof portion of the vehicle.

4. An apparatus adapted for use in connection with washing of a portion of the roof of a vehicle as the latter is propelled in one direction on a runway past it and comprising an upstanding supporting structure located at one side of the runway and embodying a substantially horizontal boom type element disposed at a higher elevation than the roof of the vehicle when the latter is on the runway and adjacent the supporting structure and mounted to swing about a vertical axi back and forth between a working position wherein it overlies, and extends transversely of, the runway and a nonworking position wherein it is disposed at said one side of the runway and extends in the direction of travel of the vehicle, controllable pneumatic means for swinging the element into its working position and yieldingly holding said element in such position, gravity actuated means of less force than the pneumatic means arranged and connected so that it serves constantly to urge the element into its nonworking position and adapted when the pneumatic means is rendered inoperative or ineffective to swing said element into its last mentioned position, a frame carried by the element so that said frame is capable of swinging upwards and downwards about an axis in substantially parallel relation with said element, and an elongated rotary power driven brush mounted on the frame so that it is disposed in substantially parallel relation with the element and adapted when the element is in its working position and the frame is swung downwards and during propulsion of the Vehicle past said supporting structure to engage the roof portion of the vehicle.

5. An apparatus adapted for use in connection with washing of a portion of the roof of a vehicle as the latter is propelled on a runway past it and comprising an upstanding supporting structure located at one side of the runway and embodying a mast projecting an appreciable distance above the vehicle and mounted to turn about a vertical axis, and a substantially horizontal booin disposed at a higher elevation than the roof of the vehicle when the latter is on the runway and adjacent the supporting structure, having one end thereof connected to the mast at a point beneath the latters upper end and its other end connected to said upper end of the mast by a diagonal brace, and adapted in response to back and forth turning of the mast to swing into and out of a working position wherein it overlies,

and extends transversely of, the runway, mechanism applied to the mast and operative to turn the latter so as to swing the boom into and out of its said working position, a frame carried by the boom so that said frame is capable of swinging upwards and downwards relatively thereto, gated rotary power driven brush bile frame and adapted when the working position and the frame is ant "uring propulsion of the past the supporting structure to engage the lOLf portion of the vehicle.

An a paratus ada ted for use in connection wa hi of a portion of the of a vehicle or is propelled on a runway past it and ising an upstanding supporting structure one side of the runway and embodying a mast projecting an appreciable distance above the vehicle mounted to turn about a vertical axis, and a substantially horizontal boom dis posed higher elevation than the roof of the vehicle when the latter is on the runway and adjacent the supporting structure, having one end thereof so pivotally connected to mast beneath the of the latter that it swings laterally with the mast during turning of the latter while at the same t as it is capable of being adjusted upwards and downwards relatively to the mast, and adapted in response to back and f turning of the to swing in o and out of a working position wherein it es, and extends transve sely of, the runway, a l 'igltudinally eatensi 1e diagonally pooleittending between, and p-ivotally rec ed to, the other or distal end of the scam the urer end of the mast, mechanism l to the mast operative to turn the boom into and out of its said working no on, a frame carried by the boom so that said -ame is capable of swinga": o means app the so as to swin ing upwards and downwards relatively thereto,

and an elongated rotary power driven brush mounted on the frame and adapted when the boom is in its wor ring position and the frame is swung downwards and during propulsion of the vehicle past the supporting structure to engage the roof portion of the vehicle.

'7. An apparatus adapted for use in connection with washing of a portion of the roof of a vehicle as the latter is propelled on a runway past it and comprising an upstanding supporting structure located at one side of the runway, embodying a substantially horizontal boom type element disposed at a higher elevation than the roof of the vehicle when the latter is on the runway and adjacent the supporting structure, and mounted to swing laterally back and forth between a working position wherein it overlies, and extends transversely of, the runway and a nonworking position wherein it is disposed at one side of said runway, a substantially rectangular frame having the intermediate portion thereof pivotally suspended from the element so that said frame is capable of tilting up and down about an axis in substantially parallel relation with the element, and arranged so that when the element is in its working position it extends lengthwise of the runway, an elongated rotary motor driven brush supported by, and extending across, one end of the frame and adapted when the element is in its working position and the one frame end is tilted downwards and during propulsion of the vehicle past the supporting structure to engage the roof portion of the vehicle, pneumatic means extending between the element and the frame and operative when energized to tilt the frame in '14 one direction, and means for limiting tilting movement of the frame relatively to said element.

8. An apparatusadapted for use in connection with washing of a portion of the roof of a vehicle as the latter is propelled on a runway past it and comprising an upstanding supporting structure located at one side of the runway, embodying a substantially horizontal boom type element disposed at a higher elevation than the roof of the vehicle when the latter is on the runway and adjacent the supporting structure, and mounted so that it is capable of moving back. and forth between a working position wherein it overlies, and extends transversely of, the runway and a nonworking position wherein it is disposed away from said runway, a substantially rectangular frame having the intermediate portion thereof pivotally suspended from the element so that said frame capable of tilting up and down about an in so astantially parallel relation with said element, and arranged so that when the element is in its working position it extends lengthwise of the runway, an elongated rotary motor driven brush supported by, and extending across, one end of the frame and adapted when the ele'- cut is in its working position and the one frame end is tilted downwards and during propulsion of the vehicle past the supporting 'ucture to engage the roof portion of the ,vehicle, pneumatic means mounted on the element, operatively connected to the frame, and arranged and adapted when energized to tilt one end of the frame downwards, a counter- .weight mounted on the other end of the frame -,and operative when said pneumatic means is ineffective to cause said one end of the frame to tilt upwards, and means for limiting tilting movement of the frame relatively to said ele ment.

9. An apparatus adapted for use in connection with washing of a portion of a roof of a vehicle as the latter is propelled on a runway past it and comprising an upstanding supporting structure located at one side of the runway, embodying a substantially horizontal boom type element disposed at a higher elevation than the roof of the vehicle when the latter is on the runway and adjacent the supporting structure, and mounted to swing laterally back and forth between a working position wherein it overlies, and extends transversely of, the runway and a nonworking position wherein it is disposed at one side of, and in substantially parallel relation with, said runway, pneumatically actuated mechanism for swinging the element into its working position, counterweight means for automatically swinging said element into its non-working position when the mechanism is ole-energized, a substantially rectangular frame having the intermediate portion thereof pivotally suspended from the element so that said frame is capable of tilting up and down, and arranged so that when the element is in its working position it extends lengthwise of the runway, an elongated rotary motor driven brush supported by, and extending across, one end of the frame and. adapted when the element is in its working position and the one frame end is tilted downwards and during propulsion of the vehicle past the supporting structure to engage the roof portion of the vehicle, pneumatic means mounted on the element, operatively connected to the frame and, arranged and adapted when energized to tilt said one end of the frame downwards, a counterweight mounted on the other end of the frame and operative when said pneumatic means is ineffective to cause said one end of the frame to tilt upwards, and means for limiting tilting move ment of the frame relatively to said element.

10. An apparatus adapted for use in connection with washing of a portion of a vehicle as the latter is propelled on a runway past it and comprising a supporting structure adjacent the runway, a frame provided with a rotary power driven brush and mounted on the supporting structure so that said frame is movable towards and away from the vehicle, an air cylinder having a predetermined stroke, operatively connected to the frame and adapted when energized after movement of the frame away from the vehicle to move the frame towards the vehicle, and a power operated combined mounting and adjusting unit for the air cylinder arranged and adapted when operated to shift the air cylinder bodily in order either to change the position of its stroke or augment the latter.

11. An apparatus adapted for use in connection with washing of a portion of a vehicle as the latter is propelled on a runway past it and comprising a supporting structure adjacent the runway, a frame mounted on the supporting structure so that said frame is capable of swinging toward and away from the vehicle and provided at its distal end with a rotary power driven either to change the position of its stroke or augment the latter.

12. An apparatus adapted for use in connection with washing of a portion of a vehicle as the latter is propelled on a runway past it and comprising a supporting structure adjacent the runway, a frame provided with a rotary power driven brush and mounted on the structure so that said frame is movable towards and away from the vehicle, an air cylinder having a predetermined stroke, operatively connected to the frame and adapted when energized after movement of the frame away from the vehicle to move the frame toward the vehicle, and a power operated combined mounting and adjusting unit for the air cylinder arranged and adapted when operated to shift the air cylinder axially in order either to change the position of its stroke or augment the latter, and embodying a screw shaft mounted on the supporting structure so that it is rotatable without axial displacement and provided with power means for driving it in either direction, and a nut mounted on the screw shaft and connected fixedly to said air cylinder.

LOUIS D. HOLMES.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 894,920 Turner Aug. 4, 1908 1,827,887 Gillespie Oct. 20, 1931 1,908,788 Pulliam May 16, 1933 1,942,653 Kiggins Jan. 9, 1934 1,962,167 Zimmer June 12, 1934 2,025,780 Rosebrook Dec. 31, 1935 2,242,692 Yingling May 20, 1941 2,257,255 Yingling Sept. 30, 1941 2,318,996 Holmes May 11, 1943 2,480,735 Holmes Aug. 30, 1949 

